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What an interesting question...
Before my Camino,
I had to ask myself "what is spiritual?" I am (was?) an atheist.
Does spiritual mean something of a realm independent of reason or science?
Things happened to me on the Camino that I will never be able to explain in those terms- coincidences...
I lost about 10 lbs. I had issues with nausea for the first week which inhibited me from eating normally. When I got into a routine, I discovered that a high-fiber and high-protein and overall high-calorie morning meal was absolutely essential. 7 Granola bars between 8am-12pm was normal (I am a...
Hi Kate! The best answer I can give you, based on my own experience, is that you may arrive alone, but you always have the option to share the experience once you're there. Remaining alone may actually be the challenge. In a tour, someone else attempts to generate a particular experience with...
I have to second everything you just said...take the E-9 (love it!) and sleep at Valdedios. The mass and music is spectacular, and the albergue has nice facilities. You're absolutely right about the German and French guidebooks. I did not bring a guidebook and did this route spur of the...
Hi Patrick,
I did exactly the route you spoke of, except I started at Portugalete (near Bilbao), and dipped down toward Oviedo after Villaviciosa. I think it's a wonderful route, because you get to see some of the coast, but a lot of the beautiful interior. The walks are difficult and...
Hey May babies,
Good luck to those who are going before me! I'll try to catch up! I'll be there on the 22nd...look for the pale American with no hair! That's me... Emily! Buen Camino!!! Thanks for the advice!
It works so well for me, but I have to apply it liberally to stress points, like between my toes (especially between my big and second toes). I don't understand how it could help in areas that come into contact with socks, because it would absorb into the socks or rub off, but between the toes...
Thanks! I've decided to bring a thermarest, which is cheap and super light, because I know I'll sleep better that way. If it turns out I don't have to use it, I'll leave it somewhere or give it away. I have slept on hardwood floors, cement and grass in my life, the latter being the only...
haha, I had originally decided to forgo guidebooks! I never use them for anything and I figured I would just follow the swarms I've been hearing about on the CF! If you can recommend a guidebook that will ship to Michigan before 5/20 I will order it :lol:
Thanks for the advice! I was hoping everyone would say something like "no, don't bring a guidebook because of the extra weight!" Isn't it funny how sometimes we ask for advice, only wanting our own opinion(uninformed in my case) reinforced? :oops: I'll definitely order a guidebook, then!
Hello all. Thanks for all the info so far! I'm leaving in 6 days. Screwily, I just now started thinking about maps and guidebooks of the Camino Frances. I guess I just figured I would "go with the flow," but is that crazy? Do I need to have these things so I won't get lost, or is it possible to...
Portugal is an excellent place to relax. I have found it much more laid back and slow-paced than Spain. You might consider going south, also. The coast is warm and beautiful, and the interior is exotic and martian. There's no place like it!
CATS in the albergues
Are there any refugios or albergues that have CATS? I love cats, but I'm deathly allergic to them. I sympathize with your sensitivities...it's so strange that something so small can affect us big humans! I hope there are no cats! I would be laid up for a day after contact...
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